Russian-Israeli historian critical of “Israel” disappeared after arriving at Ben Gurion airport

QUDS, Aug. 11(YPA) – The Russian-Israeli historian Artyom Kirpichenok, known for his criticism of Israeli occupation policies, has disappeared after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport on August 4, Israeli and Russian media outlets said on Monday.

According to the sources, Kirpichenok, who resides permanently in Russia, had traveled to “Tel Aviv” to attend an academic conference. However, all contact with him was lost after he left the plane, and his family and friends were unable to reach him or determine his whereabouts.

Amid the diplomatic developments, Russian Ambassador to Israeli occupation Anatoly Viktorov contacted the occupation’s authorities to follow up on the case and seek information about his whereabouts, Haaretz reported, citing Russian state media.

Former Russian lawmaker Darya Mitina, meanwhile, said the occupation’s Shin Bet security service had detained Kirpichenok immediately after his arrival.

Izvestia quoted her as saying that concerns had been confirmed that the historian was being held and questioned by the occupation security agencies.

AA